For several years, Sealaska has been building a business platform that revolves around fostering healthy oceans. Now, with global expertise in geotechnical services, data sciences, marine construction, sustainable seafood and more, it’s time for Sealaska’s businesses to share an ocean-health identity. Part of that identity involves giving the platform a name.

Woocheen is a name that was carefully chosen for the deep meaning of the Tlingit word – Wooch.éen – that inspired it, a word that speaks to working holistically within a system while holding great respect for all around us. It means we are interdependent – a community first. It describes working in collaboration with each other, with our environment, and with the resources available to us. 

“Making one company to serve as an umbrella for the companies Sealaska has assembled sets us up to truly take advantage of the massive growth opportunity before us,” said Sealaska President and CEO Anthony Mallott. “We can fight the effects of climate change in sectors that represent billions of dollars in investment, such as offshore wind energy and sustainable seafood.”

The formation of Woocheen represents a long-planned integration of Sealaska’s ocean-health businesses into one business unit. This approach simplifies Sealaska’s current holding-company structure while sustaining the leadership of the current management team, Mallott said.

“Our people have depended on the ocean and lived in balance with our environment for 10,000 years, so a focus on ocean health fits,” said Sealaska Board Chair Joe Nelson. “There is a lot of common sense built into our traditional way of life. We can put that wisdom to work for future generations.”

Growth of these businesses will only accelerate benefits to shareholders and communities through cultural, economic and educational programs, Nelson said.

“Our business growth directly benefits shareholders and communities,” Nelson said. “We’re getting behind the defining trends of our times: energy and food. The wind is literally at our backs.”